New York Daily News

Severino sez Pedro

- BY MIKE MAZZEO

TAMPA — In need of improvemen­t, Luis Severino turned to one of the most hated Yankee rivals of alltime for help.

Severino, who heads into spring training fighting for a spot in the rotation, said Tuesday that he met with Red Sox Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez in the Dominican Republic during the offseason to work on his mechanics. The two met five times, Severino said, with Martinez watching him throw and providing tips.

“Pedro is a really nice guy and was really available to work with me,” Severino said. “It was very cool, very nice of him.”

Severino got Martinez’s phone number through a Dominican friend of his who works in TV. He says he was “a little nervous calling him, but not much,” and Martinez said, “Yes, of course I can help.”

Severino, a 22-year-old right-hander, is coming off a season in which he went 0-8 as a starter with an 8.50 ERA in 11 outings. His fastball averaged about 96 mph in 2016, but his secondary stuff was lacking. He couldn’t throw his slider for a strike and didn’t trust his changeup. There have been questions as to whether he can become a consistent pitcher who can outthink hitters and adjust on the mound. Severino explained that he lowered his set position and brought his hands

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